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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/20/23

Always Exploring, Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, FL is a BLAST for space lovers of all ages! We recently adventured down where we relived the Apollo launch at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, then blasted into the future at the NEW Gateway, The Deep Space Complex, followed by a mesmerizing look at the actual Space Shuttle Atlanta, got to chat with an Astronaut, Charlie Walker, and explored the larger-than-life rocket garden. And that just the beginning of the adventure, the adventure has just begun at Kennedy Space Center. To the moon!

Our first stop was to the bus tour to Apollo/Saturn V Center where you go behind the gates onto NASA property and see the Vehicle Assembly Building that’s bigger than three Empire State buildings and even a NASA crawler transporter (it was in the movie Armageddon). Then, enter the world of Apollo 8 and Saturn V, where first you’ll relive the Apollo launch where they immerse you in a lifelike reenactment of the Apollo launch. I was particularly impressed with this and even got goose bumps! Then, head over to the vault where you’ll see Shepard’s space suit, an Apollo capsule, and other cool relics from that time in the Space race. On top of that you can touch a moon rock AND stand underneath the largest rocket ever flown.

After the bus tour, we rode back to the main visitor’s complex and made our way into Gateway, The Deep Space Complex. There we explored visionary human deep space travel designs from SpaceX, NASA, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin including Deep Space Habitat, Starliner from Boeing and their innovative space suit “Rosie.” Interact with a variety of touch screens to explore further into each cutting-edge innovation. Gateway also includes Spaceport KSC, immersive rides that will take you on an epic futuristic journey.

Our Kennedy Space Center adventure then led us to Space Shuttle Atlantis. After a brief video about the shuttle, the curtain raises to reveal the ACTUAL shuttle! The sheer size of the shuttle is absolutely breathtaking. You can explore the orbiter that traveled 126 million miles up close and explore every aspect including what the bed quarters looked like, the toilet, a replica of the controls that actually work, as well as 60 other exhibits, see shuttle-era artifacts, and fun interactive simulators. PLUS, Shuttle Launch Experience that simulates an actual launch into space!

Being huge space lovers, we went to infinity and beyond and got an intimate Chat with an Astronaut. Two times a day, join a small group of Space aficionados for an intimate and thrilling adventure. During this experience, ask questions of one of NASAs astronauts, enjoy an unlimited food buffet with fruit, sandwiches, and hot foods, as well as water and soda. They’re also frosty adult beverages for those 21+ like local beers and wine. Our astronaut was Charlie Walker, an industry payload specialist from 3 Discovery voyages! He told us they DO drink their own pee in space (it is filtered!), that it takes 30 minutes to prepare a meal in space, and the best food is shrimp cocktail. You go home with a signed photo and a coin!

Finally, we took some time to make our way around the Rocket Garden, a “garden” of HUGE ROCKETS! Explore these engineering feats of technology that got us to where we are today. The most fascinating to me was the Titan-Mercury.
Kennedy Space Center is $75 for adults and there are specials on their website. Please note, chat with an Astronaut is extra/an add on.


Courtyard by Marriot Titusville


Beyond Kennedy Space Center, we stayed in the Courtyard by Marriot Titusville at Kennedy Space Center that is the closest hotel to the visitor complex. It is only 10 minutes! Launch into the lobby where you’ll see a NASA space suit, space toys, Lockheed Martin rocket, and small touches like little rocket lights and space related art. They have a bistro and bar with coffee and light bites downstairs, then on the roof is The Space Bar with full food menu and themed cocktails overlooking the inter coastal waterway between Titusville, FL and the Space Center! It’s a beautiful view from the lobby or rooftop.
Then, exploring our large King room, what hits you first is the view! It is the same view as the rooftop bar of the inter coastal. A large comfy king bed literally is beneath the stars with a beautiful space accent wall. Near the window is the circular couch, while the wet bar area is angular lines. The bathroom is also crips, clean, and spacious. Everything screams Space!

Something that makes this hotel special is that you can watch the scheduled launches from Cape Canaveral right from your room, the seating near the water behind the hotel or from the rooftop bar (preferred spot!). We got to see the Falcon 9 SpaceX launch at 11:41pm on 8/6!

The Space Bar

Remember when I mentioned that the Courtyard Titusville has a rooftop bar called The Space Bar? Well, the sky calls to us and we dined in style overlooking the beautiful waterway surrounded by space themed murals, neon signs, and more! Let’s not forget their out of this world tuna poke bowl, marvelous mahi tacos, creative cocktails, creamy deviled eggs, and perfect pretzel. It’s all delicious.

Here’s the details about The Space Bar’s food and drink starting with The Causeway Cosmo cocktail that is tangy cranberry, floral hibiscus, cool lime paired with vodka and triple sec and topped with blue edible glitter. Named after a Beastie Boys song, the Intergalactic Planetary cocktail is cool and sweet, coconut rum, tangy citron, St. Germain floral elderflower liqueur, blue curacao, and pineapple.

We dove into the Deviled eggs & Bacon, a sweet and savory treat with candied bacon, yet creamy and rich inside. It comes with a side of spicy, candied bacon and chips! The Blackened Mahi tacos are creamy and sweet up front with flavorful, meaty fish that is lightly seasoned and enveloped in a grilled shell. Plus, the Tuna Poke bowl is savory tuna, tender, with creamy avocado, spicy aioli, seaweed and a side of wasabi for heat. This one is unique as I’ve never had asparagus in a poke bowl. It adds a crunch that’s good! Finally, the Bavarian Jumbo Pretzel is large and presented hanging! Buttery, warm, crisp outside and soft inside and served with cheese and mustard!

When are you planning your trip to Kennedy Space Center?

Jackson’s Steakhouse in Pensacola

Not too far from the blue-green ocean at Pensacola Beach, the historic downtown Pensacola vibe is quaint, yet vibrant with breweries, shopping, and delicious dining. On one of those picturesque corners sits Jackson’s, a steakhouse staple where Pensacolans go for a good steak, cocktails, and dessert for any occasion. Everything from the decadent chocolate mousse to the crunchy red snapper, fantastic filet mignon, earthy brussel sprouts, to the tender lamb lollipops, plus the cocktails, everything you get at Jackson’s is a food adventure.

What’s better with a steak dinner than a cocktail? We got the fantastic off-menu blueberry martini, as well as the sweet and sassy BAMA Buck. The martini was recommended by our waitress and turned out magical with the tart and tangy berries up front mixed with the citrus and booze on the back. It was a refreshing yet potent sip! As far as the BAMA Buck, with whiskey on the back and the sweetness of strawberry on the front, this cocktail is sweet and boozy. It was just the right balance between the two. I’ll have another, please!

On to the delectable food, we started with the lamb lollipops. The lamb was seriously tender and wonderfully seasoned lamb bites. It was perfectly paired with an earthy, bright shaved brussel and radish salad. These two go so well together with the meatiness of the lamb and the earthy, crunchy of the salad. As far as the entrees, John got the flavorful filet mignon and I got the amazing red snapper, plus we paired it with some delicious brussel sprouts. These brussels are so good the guy next to us said he’s now a brussel sprout believer because of these! We agree, they’re rustic, earthy, tart, tangy, crunchy, and meaty. It’s all the adjectives you want to hear when describing these gems.

For our main entrees, the filet mignon was perfectly cooked medium steak with a tender inside and light grill outside. With the garlic on the top, it ended up being meaty and tangy with the right amount of smoke. But, the best dish of the night was the Red Snapper! Can snapper be decadent? Yes, the very definition of decadent with a ginormous piece of fish that literally melted in your mouth. Topped with a cracker crust that gave it a light crunch, lemon, butter, and herbs, it was simply divine. Crunchy, buttery, flaky.

Even if you don’t have any room, you have to stay for dessert and get the chocolate mousse! It was rich and decadent chocolate base, then a buttery, toffee, crunchy surprise at the bottom. On top an in-house made whipped cream brought it all together. Perfection if you ask me.

What do you want to try at Jackson’s?

ACTIVITIES ABOUND AT SANDESTIN, FL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/6/21

Activities Abound at Sandestin, FL

As the sunsets over the luxurious rooftop bar, the rays hit the beautiful bay water throwing up shades of purple, orange and pink, enveloping all spectators in the final moments of the day’s light. Down below a large stream interconnects with lakes, rivers, and eventually into the ocean where sunbathers sip cocktails under branded umbrellas. There’s also a walkway covered in palms and other lush trees where a couple walk hand-in-hand pass a treehouse and a large bridge with marina views. The rows of boats bob up and down in the water as the blue and purple of the evening sky meet at the horizon. Did you feel that? That’s Sandestin.

Grounds

The gates opened to the Bayside of Sandestin, and we drove around the first traffic circle and exited to the first right. Just to the right is one of our favorite spots on all the grounds, what we call the long walkway! The entrance to the wooden walkway and pier is wrapped in palms and other greenery and as you pass through, the long walkway opens into a breathtaking view of the bay dotted with grasses and lone trees. Go to the end and take in the beauty of the entire space. When you’re done there, keep going toward the Lakeside area, you’ll notice that it’s lined with a canopy of arching trees that create a beautiful dance of contrasting light and dark. It’s worth just driving through it to enjoy the natural beauty. Beyond that, the golf grounds are pristine and lush, the beach is gorgeous, and everything is freshly landscaped. There is not a lack of beautiful spots in Sandestin, so find your favorite locale.

Osprey Pointe – Accommodations

Near the Marina and Baytowne Wharf, the luxurious Osprey Pointe has 2, 3, and 4-bedroom condos that are great for couples, groups, and families. The second you enter the spacious condo, you feel right at home. With all the bells and whistles, the impeccably decorated kitchen has a full group of appliances and everything you’d need to make a meal! The kitchen is open to the living space and looks out onto the beautifully landscaped bay nearby. Out on the patio, you could sit all day and gaze at the bay view! This 2-bedroom has 2 bathrooms, and the master is spacious and has a huge, sparkling master bath with two showers! Beyond the beautiful condo, Osprey Pointe boasts a beautiful pool with a ton of seating, tables, and shade! So, take a dip in the pool, then take a bike ride or walk down to the Marina and Baytowne Wharf. It’s just minutes away. Even if Osprey Pointe isn’t for you, they have so many accommodation options from beachfront to bayfront.

Beach

Speaking of Beachfront, the wooden walkway maneuvers gracefully through the large sandy dunes and opens onto a spectacularly white and pristine beach. Dotted with blue, branded chairs, people lounge in the shade, build sandcastles, and play in the clear, blue-green water. Beyond relaxing and gazing at the beautiful water, there’s so much to do at Sandestin Beachside! You can grab a drink at the beach bar on the beach, lounge in a beach chair and umbrella with a good book, stay for lunch at The Beach House, get a sandcastle building lesson, or even take a ride on a jet ski or kayak.  We’d recommend a key lime daiquiri from The Beach House, then opt for a pair of chairs and an umbrella to enjoy the natural beauty of the beach!

Marina

Rows and rows of all types of boats bob up and down as the water ebbs and flows in the beautiful bay. Diners at the Marina Bar and Grill sip on cocktails and bite into tasty tacos, as they watch the sun set over the boats and disappears into the horizon. The Marina Bar and Grill is a chill little outdoor spot on the Marina with some serious eats like the grouper sandwich and fried fish tacos! Wash it down with a cocktail! Plus, they have a spot that you can bring your own fish, clean it, and they will cook it for you right there!! On one side of the restaurant is the resident Macaw, Mary Ann. She is out during the day when the Marina Bar and Grill is open and is a great photo op for you to catch. She was born in 2010, and did you know Macaws can live 50 years?

Next to the restaurant and set back from the water is the bike rental where a row of bikes are available for Sandestin guests and owners to use at their leisure. It’s so easy to bike around Sandestin, and beyond the golf cart parade we witnessed daily, is the preferred way to get around. On the other side of the lot is where you can rent kayaks and water toys to explore the bay even more.

Our favorite spot at the bay, is the wooden path between the Marina and Baytowne Wharf. Entering next to the Marina Bar and Grill, the thick trees feel like a jungle on one side with beautiful Marina and water views on the other. As you walk, the wooden path winds through the trees and views of the Marina and the boats are stunning. Stop off at the treehouse for the best top views of the entire area! As you find your way around from there, you’ll come upon a long wooden bridge where the marshy grounds turn into a beautiful stream and empties into the bay. It’s gorgeous. You’re reward is at the end with Baytowne Wharf upon you.

Baytowne Wharf

THE spot to shop, dine, and drink IS Baytowne Wharf. Taking a tour in a circle, your greeted with the sound of children laughing on the brightly lit carousel. Beyond that everything a child could want waits for them with an arcade, sweet shops, games, and a ton of activities! If you follow the circle around from there is where the dining and drinking options start. If you like bull riding or country music is your thing, they have it. If you want to sit with the view of the bay while you sip and nosh, they have that too at Hammerheads and Village Door. Village Door has a large 40 oz cocktail with a souvenir cup so you can remember your time there, plus they also have a great spot to eat on the bay. Hammerheads has a fantastic happy hour daily from 4 to 6 pm. We’d suggest grabbing a seat right at 4 pm on the water!

Sandestin doesn’t have a lack of places to see the sunset, so you should stay for the sunset here and walk out to the Wharf Pier and watch the sun disappear into the watery horizon. For the kiddos, they have fish food you can purchase and feed the fish below.

Continuing the circle, there’s a street that mimics New Orleans! That’s our favorite spot in Baytowne Wharf with several food and drink spots like Hartell’s Diner and Fat Tuesday, as well as a row of cute shops! Fat Tuesdays has great deals on daiquiris for $8 bucks and a shot for $1 extra. We’d recommend the Miami Vice or 44 Magnum. Plus if you’re looking for a fun evening out? Start at Fat Tuesday, then head over to Rum Runners for a dueling piano experience. You can pick your favorite songs for the piano players to sing, take a seat, and sing along!

Our favorite restaurant in the Wharf has to be The Marlin Grill. We stopped by there for dinner our first night and we fell in love with the Roasted Duck and the Scottish Salmon appetizer. Please make sure to make a reservation because they’re always busy or cross your fingers for a spot at the bar.

Hotel Effie

Only steps from Baytowne Wharf, Upscale, modern, yet, inviting, Hotel Effie is THE SPOT to stay in Sandestin. She is adorned with Ara Rooftop Bar where a luxurious rooftop pool meets the sky, cabanas, and a stunning almost 360 view of the entire Sandestin grounds. Stop by for a fantastic Toasted Coconut daiquiri and catch the sunset from multiple views! Downstairs, you should also visit the newest and hands-down best restaurant in Sandestin, Ovide. From Atlanta Chef, Hugh Acheson, this lavish dining spot has wonderfully crafted cocktails like the grapefruit forward Sun Kissed or our favorite cocktail, Shore Leave. They have fantastic dishes like the stellar filet mignon, flavorful blackened mahi mahi, uniquely good farm egg, rich prime beef tartare. We’d recommend anything on this menu, it’s that good.

As the gates closed on our time at Sandestin, we reminisced about our favorite memories and thought about all the wonderful food, drinks, and sunsets we got to witness. We felt we actually needed more time to explore even more that Sandestin had to offer. We’d recommend at least 4 nights to get the full experience. What would you like to experience most?

Sandestin, FL is located in Miramar Beach, FL in between Destin and Santa Rosa Beach on the Emerald Coast.

Website: Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort | Your Place in the Sun